Program Requirements and Career Patterns concerning Technical Education.

Gonzalez, Xavier F.; Waintraub, Jack

This paper discusses program requirements and career patterns in technical education with the goal of assisting persons who design community college/technical institute programs to produce technicians to work in a technological environment. The first section describes the five components of the product development cycle in which technicians work and their role in each of these processes; i.e., research to discover new materials and processes; product development; manufacturing; marketing and sales; and installation, maintenance, and service. The second section explains the requirements and criteria for technical education and technician training programs, focusing on the role of mathematics education, microcomputers and microprocessors; and on program needs and requirements. The third section provides information concerning careers and program requirements in electronics, highlighting trends and changes within the field. The final section outlines entrance requirements for technician education and includes an overview of courses and programs required for students interested in the technician field. (HB)